We had Jacana Travel organize for us a trip to South Africa, Zambia and Botswana. They did a fantastic job as everything went according to plans.
The places they suggested were great and all of us had a very pleasant experience.
We have no reservations in recommending Jacana to anyone looking for a diverse trip where all the details, including some handholding, are taken care.
Jacada also understood what we were looking for in a trip and made great recommendations in regard to where to stay and what to do.
We traveled for two weeks in South America. Starting in the lovely historical city of Quito, we knew we were in for a treat. Jacada handled every detail of our travel, pick-up, hotel, touring, restaurant experiences, etc. flawlessly. They transferred us to the next part of our trip, the Galápagos Island cruise without a hitch. We enjoyed five days on the Santa Cruz II, which offered superior service, excellent accommodations, as well as wonderfully prepared
food, and well educated, knowledgeable guides. You could not ask for more.
Once we retuned to land we were back in Jacada’s capable hands as we flew to Peru. We continued to explore the land and history of the Inca people. Everywhere we visited, each hotel we stayed in, each guide who lead us was exceptional. I have traveled extensively in my life but have never felt so worry free on a trip before this time. I would not hesitate to recommend Jacada to any traveler looking for a first class experience, worry free, on their vacation. I would give them 6 stars.
Jacada organized a two week trip through South Africa. Byron at the London office spent a lot of time discussing our wants and helped us narrow down our choices to give us the best and most varied experience within our time frame and our budget, and boy did he succeed! Everything went like clockwork–from the initial contact at the airport where we were whisked through the incredibly long line up at passport control ( after 30 hours of travel, that was the best thing ever!), to the amazingly sumptuous lodges, to the drivers who took us from one destination to another. I felt like a princess on this trip and am now officially spoiled and unwilling to settle for anything less. Thank you for a wonderful experience
Totally organized, totally professional. Trip of a lifetime.
We had a fantastic holiday. Everything was very well organised. The two guides we had were excellent
Having given an outline of what we wanted to see and do, the centerpiece being to take the Hiram Bingham train and stay at Sanctuary Lodge in Machu Picchu, Jacada ( Ciara Owens in particular) gave us excellent advice and put together a fabulous experience. The hotels were wonderful. The pacing of the trip and the private guides arranged for us were exceptional We had time to absorb what we were visiting and enjoyed the services of very open, knowledgeable, flexible, well informed and personable guides. There were extras in addition to the sights we wanted to see. One guide planned a ‘picnic’ for us, unlike any I have ever had. A tent, with rugs, cushions, facing snow covered mountains, and delicious Peruvian foods, catered by a charming young couple from Cusco. Edgar also took us to an animal rescue where we saw a spectacled bear cub, orphaned and just 6 months old, a baby vincuna, and condors up close and personal. We had a visit to a family farm high in the Andes and learned how they work the fields, and prepare and spin wool into those marvelously inticate weavings. Sheep to loom and finished products, plus a home cooked meal with 4 shy and curious, proud and happy women and a 5 month old baby. In their home. Travel connections were well planned and booking taken care of by our guides. Everything ran so smoothly! When we wanted to see the Ice Maiden in Ariquipa, which had not been on our itinerary, Jose provided extra time for us to do this and a personal tour of the exhibits. He also took us to visit a local one-room school in the Andes which was eye opening in terms of how the indigenous people live. And included a birthday cake and song for my travel partner. The 2 students who showed up that day, of the 21 who may travel up to 3 hours to get there on any given day, work and weather permitting, clearly found us rather exotic and were thrilled to be given the little cake our guide had secretly brought along. Very touching. I cannot recommend this highly enough.
Had a wonderful trip which was well organized by George. The accommodations were first class as were the tours and tour guides. We were so well taken care of by everyone associated with this company. Always felt safe and looked after. Would highly recommend it.
Jacada travel was absolutely wonderful from start to finish. They put together an incredible package for us, the accommodations were fabulous, the food was superb, the people were wonderful. Every detail was attended to and all our tours and transfers were spot on. I would highly recommend this company.
Jacada, and Ciara/Susann in particular, did an amazing job of organizing our trip. We did three countries, eight locations and ten flights without a hitch. The local support was excellent and the advice as to things to do on the ground was really useful.
I would have no hesitation in recommending this company to anyone.
My experience in planning travel to Victoria Falls and South Africa with Tessa and the other members of the team at Jacada was wonderful.
I hosted a group of 12 people and at the end of the vacation, everyone stated that this was the best vacation they had ever been on, and most have experienced travel to all over the world.
My expectations, which were extremely high, were exceeded.
I have no qualms about recommending Jacada Travel to anyone.
Jonny and Jacada agents in England and South Africa created a flawless experinece for us. Their attention at the beginning with a conversation to discover our travel needs/wants and while on the trip with personal notes at each lodging place was astounding. Their knowledge of unique experiences whether of lodging or activity is extensive and up-to-date. We felt supported and able to fully enter into our first time to Africa. We returned home rating this trip at the top of many wonderful trips and are already talking with them about our next trip to South America. Anne Miner-Pearson, USA
When we began talking about a trip to Southeast Asia we knew very little about the area. We had heard from several of our friends that this part of the world was well worth a visit. But where were we to start?
Thank goodness I had used Jacada for a trip to Peru a few years ago so I knew I could depend on them to help plan an exciting vacation.
After a couple emails and phone calls, Kate was able to put together a truly remarkable itinerary for us. I was speechless when I first saw her suggestions-how could she have so quickly identified what I wanted-I didn’t even know what I wanted!
From that moment until our return home, Jacada was remarkable. The tours, guides,drivers and accommodations were perfect. Everyone was where they promised, all the tours and guides wonderful and the hotels just as described. I just can’t think of any single thing I would have changed-and all this was built specifically for us in a matter of days.
Our thanks to Kate and Alec and all those in the background who worked so diligently to give a the trip of a lifetime.
Outstanding vacation! Everything went extremely smoothly, Jacada representatives were with us every step of the way, accommodations were outstanding, and tour guides were superb. This was a vacation with an aggressive itinerary that went flawlessly. All of the tour guides were top notch and Jacada was able to secure reservations at the top places for us. We would not have changed a thing and highly recommend Jacada for complex travel arrangements. No detail was overlooked. We very much enjoyed our two days at Machu Picchu, hiking to the top of Huayna Picchu, and the scenic train ride. We spent a few days aboard the Delfin I in the Amazon and very much enjoyed the intimate small boat setting. Our Galapagos cruise aboard the Santa Cruz II was also amazing. Overall, fantastic trip!!!
Jacada arranged our trip to Peru. Four hotels, three cities not one snag. First class hotels, guides and drivers that made a difference; insightful, helpful and great people. Passionate about their jobs. They structure your day but leave time to explore on your own. Just follow their recommendations and you can’t go wrong.
Byron Thomas worked closely with us to put together an itinerary for our trip to South Africa that was customized to our wishes. No detail was left to chance! Jacada and their people are wonderful to work with! I highly recommend Jacada!
It was an excellent trip. Java and Bali are beautiful.
I have given Jacada Travel a 5-star rating but must add that it wasn’t quite as good as my African Safari.
The personnel (at Jacada) are very helpful and did a great job setting up the trip. Thank you again.
PS: I have recommended them to friends and business associates and plan to use them again.
Jacada Travel planned an incredible trip to Thailand for my two teenage kids and I. We wanted a mix of city, wildlife and nature, and a beach with a spa. Kate tailored our trip to our exact wishes and it was an experience my kids and I will not soon forget. The local guides Jacada uses are amazing and the Thai people are wonderful. There was someone to meet us at every stop and answer all of our questions. We had plenty of time to shop on our own in addition to the great activities we experienced in every city that Jacada planned based on our interests. Jacada is the epitome of personalized travel service and we are already planning our next adventure with Jacada. Thank you Jacada Travel!
We would highly recommend Jacada Travel. They were thorough and thoughtful. We were taken care of from morning until night each and every day of our trip. Attention to detail was exceptional. All of our guides were knowledgeable and kind. We had a fabulous holiday thanks to Jacada Travel’s trip designers. Many thanks and cheers to our trip designers, guides and drivers!!
It was an amazing experience! Johnny and his team at Jacada were most helpful, made all the arrangements that was first-class. We had a great time thanks to Jacada. I would highly recommend Jacada for all future travels, I know I will use them again for sure.
Johnny was very patient with me as we made many changes to the trip. He worked very hard to make sure that everything was just right. It was amazing how everything worked like clockwork when we got there. The local guides were very good, accommodations 5 star!
This was our first experience with Jacada and they did an amazing job. George, with his gentle questioning, got a good sense of who we were as a family and planned it perfectly. Our guide, Max, was brilliant and had so much knowledge, but was also very patient and good fun. The hotels, being mainly Belmond, were of course the best you can buy and the facilities and staff reflected this…we were made to feel very special everywhere we went.
Thank you George….you did good!!!!
We took a family trip (4 of us) to Belize arranged by Emily from Jacada. As is typical for Jacada, everything was perfect. From the unique resorts (Table Rock and Victoria House), to the incredible excursions planned for us, the vacation was amazing. Every detail was taken care of. Having Emily from Jacada plan your vacation is completely stress free. We will definitely use them again.
Jacada Travel and Ciara especially was very professional. the whole trip was well organized .
All the little details along the way were taking care of.
Ciara was always a step ahead with little notes in our hotel or with the guide.
We had a beautiful trip
My husband and I wanted a unique honeymoon and we were interested in Iceland so after some research I called Jacada and spoke with Byron who mapped out an amazing trip. He said we could virtually show up with just our passports and everything would be taken care of and he was right…we didn’t have to worry about anything or plan what we would do next….we didn’t have to look at maps and worry about transportation….our personal tour guides were excellent and the hotels and restaurants were awaiting our arrival. We truly had an epic vacation.
Jonny and his team at Jacada turned our South African adventure into the trip of a lifetime! I grew up in South Africa and had always wanted to go back. Time and distance never allowed it. But In early March my husband and I were sitting in our living room and quite impulsively decided to take our 3 year old son and head for South Africa. One catch- we had to leave in 20 days. But who could plan a trip from Washington, D.C. to South Africa in just 20 days? We called Jacada in London, and it was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. We don’t know how Jonny and his team did it, but 4 days later we had an unbelievable itinerary taking us back home to Johannesburg, then up into Krueger for Safari for 5 nights, onto a remote and unbelievably gorgeous island off the coast of Mozambique (Bazaruto) and then back for one last wonderful night in South Africa. When the day came, we packed up our 3 year old son and left for what was the most luxurious trip we’ve ever been on. Every airport we arrived in, expediters met us at the door of the aircraft leading us through immigration, out to waiting drivers, who then whisked us off to beautiful hotels. We were paired with experienced and wonderful drivers, trackers, and rangers who frankly we fell in love with throughout our trip. The people we met along the way, we will never forget. After each destination we felt a deep sadness leaving, and once arriving at the next location, lost once again in a world of luxury and adventure. Being able to sit with my boys in the middle of the Bush and watch the sun set, was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. From nightfall in leopard territory amongst the riverbed, to sunrise on the Indian Ocean, we 2 dads and our son were treated with exemplary respect and kindness from every person we came into contact with. In what was an extremely special moment, Jacada even made it possible for me to take my boys and visit the house I grew up in. It will remain one of the most remarkable moments of my life. We will absolutely be booking our future vacations with Jacada. Jacada travel is luxury, adventure, efficiency, and kindness all rolled into one, and we are forever grateful. From two dads and one little guy who disappeared into the wild for 2 weeks and returned with the greatest sense of life- we are very grateful to you Jonny and the rest of the Jacada Team. Stellar work, you’ve enriched our souls.
From start to finish, Jacada curated an unparalleled experience in Vietnam and Cambodia. Though we enjoyed the absolute in luxury for accommodations, the highlights of our journey had to do with the local guides and the off the beaten track experiences. Of course, transfers were flawlessly executed and we never had to concern ourselves with any of the minute details. Shout out to Rachel who put everything together for us. We’re already looking forward to our next adventure.
We just returned from a 7 country, 40 day trip to South Asia. The trip was fabulous and Jacada’s Kate Edwards and Alec had a great deal to do with the trip’s success.
We had a broad outline itinerary of what we were looking for. Travel to Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos , Vietnam, Cambodia and Bali. We wanted to emphasize the rural locations and minimize our time in the big cities – Bangkok, Hanoi and Saigon. We wanted to stay in luxury boutique hotels wherever possible. And, we wanted to do all this in 40 days. Putting together a trip like this was a logistical challenge and I quickly knew that I needed help. No problem for Jacada. Kate took my outline and produced a detailed outline with a price within days.Kate advised us how best to avoid the Chinese New Year and the rainy seasons across the large geography that we should cover. Once we had locked in the lodging, flights and dates for each location, we worked out activities that our guides would follow. This was detailed while at the same time flexible. We traveled as a couple and our guides were often arranged by our boutique hotels that specialized in flexibility and creativity. Kate and Alec monitored everything.
So that was our itinerary, our plan. But the test is in the execution, the experience. The results were outstanding, close to miraculous! We had 20 flight legs go without a hitch. Not a detail missed. And we changed the activities on our itinerary several times. Done easily with a short email to Kate and Alec.
Additionally, Kate had recommendations for things to do, places to stay and restaurants to dine at many of the locations. Each of these many suggestions was a memorable addition to our adventure.
Of course we loved the welcoming letters from Kate waiting in our room wet we arrived. The bottles of wine or champagne were wonderful, too. The suggested dining spots, we will remember for the rest of our lives.
We had a spectacular journey. I found Jacada on the internet and maybe that is part of their magic. They are certainly technologically capable and sophisticated in handling the details.
Yes, I do recommend Jacada, Kate and Alec unhesitantly and yes, we are discussing our next trip to South America with Jacada.
A great experience using Jacada. All segments of our trip were planned efficiently and personalized to our interests. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them for any trip you are planning. One of the best luxury travel companies we’ve used
Our experience with Jacada is based on our travels to Chile and Argentina and we found them from start to finish to be extremely professional and we would highly recommend them
We used Jacada to plan our honeymoon to Africa. The trip consisted of 4 nights in Capetown, 3 nights in Sabi Sands at Dulini, and 2 nights in Livingston, Zambia visiting the falls. The overall experience was amazing. Our only regret was that we didn’t have more time. My wife wished we had more time to shop… I thought it was perfectly timed. Every recommendation that Tessa made for our trip was brilliant. Dulini was an absolutely amazing place and we highly recommend getting May or Steve as your guide. In Capetown, make sure you go to the Flagship. Try to work in a day to visit Stellenbosch and the wine region. In Zambia, visit Livingston island. Angels/Devils pool is not for the faint of heart, but the lunch they served was amazing. Amazing Experience!!!
We have recently returned from Vietnam and Cambodia. Before booking with Jacada, I had never heard of them but was impressed with their approach and first hand experiences. We entrusted Kate and Alec with the itinerary, choice of hotels and excursions and could not have been more impressed. Their agents in the area, About Asia, similarly, could not have done more to ensure that we had an excellent holiday. I would recommend them unreservedly.
This had to be the most seamless experience I have had traveling. Emily and Susanne where always available to answer questions. We went to 4 different areas in Argentina and Chile. Upon arrival in each city, there was always some one to greet us and take us to the hotel. The guides we had through out the trip were A+. The guides got us through the airports without having to wait in line. Stella our guide in Buenos Aires was great and spent 2 days with us. Eduardo was our guide in Mendoza the wine region, took us to 6 winery’s which he knew all the owners. We were treated first class. In Santiago our guide was Alvaro. he knew Santiago like the back of his hand. We went on a walking tour of the city. The main reason for the trip was Patagonia. The hotel (Tierra Patagonia) was unbelievable. 5 stars. I would uses Jacada, Emily and Susanne again to plan a vacation. Not a bad find for a search on the internet.
Thanks again for a trip of a lifetime.
They completely understood our style in hotels and itinerary. Excellent guides, no glitches, everything was in perfect order. We are already planning another trip with Jacada.
A friend and I wanted to plan a trip to Thailand and Cambodia. We are unfamiliar with this part of the world, and turned to Jacada for help. We worked with Rachel and I highly recommend her. She really listened to us and helped us handcraft the type of experience we wanted. Some of her suggestions were the highlights of our trip! She arranged a day at a private elephant sanctuary, a day of shopping at a local market with a chef and a cooking class just with the two of us. None of the experiences felt “canned”. These people had a passion for their work and it showed. She arranged private guides at each location- these people made all the difference. Their English was excellent and they helped us to understand the history , culture and day to day concerns of the population. This added a real richness to the experience. She chose great (non generic) hotels that reflected a local flavor. She helped us with dinner recommendations. I highly recommend Rachel and Jacada. I will use them again when my desired travel destinations line up with their expertise.
Jacada Travel gave us a trip of a life time! We were kept on an amazing adventure every day. From the beginning Rachel Beck was easy to talk to and listened to what we wanted out of a trip to Southeast Asia; with her experience and expertise she mapped out our trip and exceeded all of our expectations!
Along with Alec Curry they hired English speaking tour guides that were extremely nice, fun, informative, intelligent, punctual and adaptable to our needs! The accommodations, vehicles, boats, bikes restaurants, spas, sightseeing, cooking classes, shopping and even golf courses were spectacular!!!! We will definitely use Jacada Travel again to fullfill our bucket list!
Thank you again Rachel and Alec for an awesome trip!!!
Best, Valerie and Neal Waldman and Denise and Peter Weinberg
We recently spent three weeks in Chile and Argentina with all the arrangements made by Jacada. George Warren took the time upfront to learn about our interests and any limitations, and then worked through several itinerary iterations to get to the perfect trip. His personal knowledge of the lodges and hotels where we stayed as well as local guides and environment made all the difference, and the execution was flawless. George checked in with emails and notes thought the trip to learn how we were progressing, willing to make any mid course adjustments (although none were necessary). Where Jacada has local expertise, we would turn to them again for future travel in a heartbeat.
All aspects of the trip were handled with great care to detail and efficiently.
When searching for the right travel agency I stumbled while on the web to Jacada! WOW what a customer experience!!! I talked with Rachel, she took the time to listen and understand exactly what type of vacation we were looking for, her profound knowledge of the region & what was essential to be seen was comforting. Everywhere else I had called they wanted to fit me into a pre-existing package! Not at Jacada, together we designed the trip of a lifetime 25 days of breathtaking experiences, visits and picturesque landscapes, outstanding selection of rooms. She personally followed up with us through personalized notes & even responding to e-mail additional requests modifications along the way, just a wonderful experience of feeling like a valued customer. Thank-you Rachel & Jacada for making my top “bucket list ” come true.
The Travel Designer, Joyce Choi, is really knowledgeable, helpful and patiently answered all my questions for my first ever climbing trip. The best Travel Designer that I ever dealt with.
On the ground, the arrangement was perfect. The local trekking company that Jacada chose is also one of the best. Their crews are professional, knowledgeable and friendly. We spent 8 days in the mountain and it went so fast because we had so much fun with the crews.
Definitely one of the best trip in my life.
Our entire trip was extremely well coordinated, we had many change/transfer points and they well all done timely and by highly professional folks
Well organised, best rooms in hotels, good guides, transportation fine.
Our trip was to Vietnam and Cambodia. The choices of hotels were also excellent, the best available in the locations. We enjoyed the activities, which were varied and adapted to our age and preference even the first morning tai-chi lesson at six. The guides were knowledgable,easy going
and always prompt on time. Drivers and vehicles both of high quality.
Their choice of travel by boat or Van was great as road or traffic conditions were chosen to be most convenient for us.
They organized surprise lunches in the middle of the jungle, complete with table linnens, porcelain dinnerware and real glasses. Another time people came out of the jungle with glasses filled with champagne to welcome from a boat trip.
Traveling with two aging couples, we had a wonderful time.
We would highly recommend Jacada and Jonny to anyone–and, in fact, already have recommended it to my brother! Jonny was incredibly patient and flexible during the planning stages. He listened to exactly what we wanted and was able to deliver an amazing experience that exceeded our expectations. It was so reassuring to have contacts in-country in case anything came up, but everything went like clockwork. The guides were amazing, the hotels were beautiful, the service was excellent. We would love to book with Jacada and Jonny again!
Our 8 days in Argentina, to visit our daughter during her junior year abroad, were just right: 3 days in BA, 2 days in Iguazu and 2 days on an idyllic horse ranch. Intensity to relaxation. Everything went as planned, and felt effortless. Constanza is an amazing guide. We are experienced travellers and had only used an agent once before, and think this trip was perfect.
Our trip was a major outing of our entire 17 member immediate family to the Gallipolis Islands, all arriving from different locations, and with slightly different prior event itineraries.
Working with Jacada was a pleasant experience from start to finish. The trip was a smashing success with no missteps or difficulties encountered. What more is there to ask for?
I decided to plan a trip with my daughter in Dec 2015. We finalised South africa as our tour destination in late Oct/early Nov, which was quite late considering year end rush. I did connect with many travel agencies but KIT from Jakada quickly got in touch with me, assured me of plan and she worked out the plan very well covering nice places such as Shambala private game reserve, Voictoria falls, Livingstone Zambia and enjoying new year eve in Cape Town. It was seamless and extremely memorable trip. Thanks KIT and thanks JAKADA for making a memorable trip in Dec 2015.
We had planned a Peru trip and had to made last minute changes. Ciara was magnificent in altering the details to make it an even more memorable trip than originally planned. Were were cared for every step of the way but even enough free time to explore on our own.
Jonny had patience and grace in dealing with our questions and lack of decision-making. On the ground, we never ever worried.
Great planning advice and insights, excellent service before and during the trip
Fantastic job by Jacada! We will continue to use them and recommend them.